Talks underway on freight transit through Chabahar port

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Ministry of Economy is holding negotiations with both the Chabahar Free Trade Zone and Iranian and Armenian companies engaged in maritime and land cargo transportation to facilitate freight movement between Armenia and Chabahar. The ministry confirmed this information, as reported by Factor.am .

Currently, calculations are being conducted to determine transportation tariffs through Chabahar port.

"In order to assess economic efficiency, it is necessary to conduct a certain volume of cargo shipments, and work is ongoing in this direction as well," the ministry stated.

The ministry also reported that Deputy Minister of Economy Narek Hovakimyan met with the management of Chabahar Port and the Free Trade Zone during his working visit to Iran from November 11-14, 2023. Representatives of Armenian freight companies also attended these meetings.

"During the visit, memorandums of understanding were signed between Armenian and Iranian companies. Additionally, one Armenian freight company has agreed to register and operate within the Chabahar Free Trade Zone," the ministry's statement noted.

Previously, the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure stated that Armenia is considering potential cooperation with India Ports Global Ltd. & Ports, the operator of Chabahar port. However, before finalizing the partnership model, technical and economic feasibility studies must be completed to inform the decision-making process.

During discussions on the 2023 state budget performance, Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan mentioned that "we have entered a rather practical phase in this matter." India's Ambassador to Armenia, Nilakshi Saha Sinha, had earlier stated that they are awaiting concrete proposals from Armenia. She expressed hope that the use of Chabahar port would help Armenia overcome challenges related to its lack of access to the Black Sea.

Furthermore, former Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Gnel Sanosyan participated in the India Global Maritime Summit, where he highlighted Armenia's interest in Chabahar port during a roundtable discussion on the subject.